Kegerator Keg Adapters: Converting Pin Lock to Ball Lock

What a keg adapter is as a listing word

An adapter is a small component that appears on a kegerator listing to show that the tower coupler can fit more than one keg connection style. The word "adapter" in a title or bullet list tells you the kegerator is designed to accept a keg type different from the one the coupler matches on its own. The listing usually places the adapter under the parts list or the box contents section.

When you see "pin lock to ball lock" on a listing, the seller is naming two keg connection styles. A pin lock keg and a ball lock keg use different opening shapes, so the coupler that fits one does not fit the other without an adapter. Those names are listing words that tell you which keg style the adapter is meant to match.

Pin lock and ball lock as names on a listing

Pin lock and ball lock are names for two common keg connection styles found on home draft listings. A listing that names one of them is telling you the keg type the coupler or adapter is built for. The names do not describe the cabinet size, the number of taps, or the width of the kegerator.

Compare the keg name in the title with the coupler type in the bullet list. If the title says ball lock and the coupler is stated as pin lock, the listing is telling you an adapter is needed, or that the details are not fully stated.

• Read the coupler type in the bullet list.
• See whether the adapter is included or sold separately.
• Compare the keg type named in the title with the coupler type.
• Ask the seller when the listing says "not stated by the seller".

Where an adapter appears on a listing

The adapter is usually listed under the components section: "coupler", "adapter", "tap kit", or "dispense kit". Read the bullet list to see whether the adapter is part of the box or a separate item. A listing that says "coupler included" tells you one connection style is covered; an adapter may be needed for the other style.

If the listing says "not stated by the seller" for a detail like the coupler type, the detail is unconfirmed. That is a reason to ask the seller before you buy, not a sign that the adapter is missing.

How adapters affect your buying decision

When you compare two kegerator listings, the adapter detail is one of the points to look for. One listing may state that an adapter is included, while another may leave that detail out. The buyer who plans to serve a specific keg style should prefer the listing that names the coupler and says whether the adapter is in the box.

The buying guides on this site compare kegerators on stated details, and the coupler type is part of that comparison. If the guide lists the coupler type, you can plan around the keg style you want. If it does not, the detail is not stated by the seller. For a shared space, the commercial kegerator guide compares larger listings and may list the coupler type as well.

Tower coupler styles and adapters

The tower coupler is the part that connects the keg to the tower. The listing may name the coupler style with letters such as D system or S system, or with the keg connection names pin lock and ball lock. As listing words, these names help you compare which keg types the kegerator can serve.

A kegerator with a standard tower coupler may still need an adapter for a different keg style. The listing will state that when it is true. If it does not, the detail is unconfirmed by the seller.

For more on the coupler as a component, see the coupler type article and the keg types article.

What to check before buying

Build a shortlist from the buying guides, then read the listing for the coupler and adapter details. The guides on this site compare kegerators on stated details such as tap count, cabinet width, coupler type, and whether components are included.

Check the box contents list to see what comes in the box: which coupler is included, whether an adapter is an extra, and whether other parts such as the drip tray or casters are stated. When a listing does not state the coupler type, you cannot assume an adapter is present.

If the guide lists the coupler type, you can plan around the keg style you want. The best kegerator guide is a good starting point for a first purchase.

• Read the coupler type in the bullet list.
• See whether an adapter is included in the box contents.
• Compare the keg type in the title with the coupler type.
• Ask the seller when the listing says "not stated by the seller".
• Pick a kegerator width and tap count that match your space and your planned beers.

Reading the site guides

The buying guides on this site compare kegerators on stated details: tap count, cabinet width, coupler type, and whether components are included. When you read a guide, look for the coupler line in the comparison. If the guide lists the coupler type, you can plan around the keg style you want.

For tap count and cabinet width, browse the single tap guide, the dual tap guide, and the 15 inch guide. For a shared or venue space, the commercial kegerator guide compares larger listings.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

What is a kegerator keg adapter?

An adapter is a small component that lets a tower coupler fit a keg connection style it does not match by itself, such as a pin lock keg on a ball lock coupler. The listing may state that the adapter is included or sold separately.

Are pin lock and ball lock the same keg size?

The names describe the connection style, not the keg size. A listing names a keg type by its opening shape; the cabinet width and keg size are separate details. The adapter does not change the keg capacity.

Where do I find the adapter on a listing?

In the bullet list or box contents section, usually under "coupler", "adapter", or "tap kit". Read the bullet list to see whether the adapter is part of the box or an extra.

What if the listing says the coupler type is not stated?

Treat that detail as unconfirmed and ask the seller before you buy, or pick a listing that states the coupler type. The phrase "not stated by the seller" means you cannot assume the adapter is included.

Does an adapter change the number of taps?

No. The adapter is about the keg connection, not the tap count. Tap count is a separate listing detail, covered in the single tap vs dual tap article.

Should I read the guide or the listing first?

Read the guide to build a shortlist of kegerators, then read the listing for the coupler and adapter details. The guide does not tell you every listing detail, so the listing remains the source for coupler and adapter words.